If you’re looking for a quick, healthy appetizer or low-carb snack that feels a little fancy but takes just minutes to make, these smoked salmon cucumber bites appetizers are for you.
Cool cucumber rounds, creamy lemon-chive cheese, and rich smoked salmon come together in a bite-sized snack and party bite that’s full of flavor and loaded with healthy fats.
Perfect for keto and low-carb diets, they’re also a refreshing and satisfying choice for summer parties, brunch platters, or even as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
How To Make These Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites Appetizers
Ingredients You’ll Need For This Recipe
- 1 large English cucumber
- 2.5 oz smoked salmon
- 3-4 sprigs of chives or green onions
- 3 oz (low-fat) cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- Optional: extra chives or lemon zest for garnish
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Thoroughly wash the cucumber, then dry.
2. Slice the cucumber into thick rounds, about ½ inch each.
This gives you a sturdy base that won’t go soggy or fall apart when topped.
3. Place the cucumber rounds on a clean kitchen or paper towel and cover them with paper to absorb any excess water.
4. Cut the smoked salmon into very small pieces and finely chop the chives/green onions.
5. In a small bowl, mix your cream cheese with the smoked salmon, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and the chopped chives/green onions.
6. Top each cucumber slice with a small dollop of your cream cheese and smoked salmon mixture.
7. Place your cucumber rounds on a serving tray and finish with a sprinkle of extra chives or a twist of lemon zest for garnish if you like.
8. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to one hour.
Important Recipe Notes
- This recipe makes 12-14 cucumber rounds, depending on how much cream cheese you load on each bite.
- Use an English cucumber for thinner skin and fewer seeds.
- Make sure to pat the cucumber slices dry with a paper or kitchen towel before assembling, so they won’t turn soggy and slippery.
- If serving these at a fancier party, use a piping bag or zip-top bag with the tip cut off for a more even, cleaner look when adding cream cheese. You can also arrange a few pieces of smoked salmon on top for extra color and garnish.
- When prepping them in advance, keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve for up to one hour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Low carb & keto-friendly: No bread, no crackers—just fresh, simple ingredients.
- Rich in healthy fats: Smoked salmon is packed with omega-3s, while cream cheese offers satiety.
- Quick to assemble: Ready in 10 minutes or less, no cooking needed.
- Perfect for entertaining: They look elegant and refreshing on a platter.
- Customizable: Add capers, dill, or a pinch of black pepper to make them your own.
📌 Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites Appetizers (Recipe Card)
Ingredients
1 large English cucumber
2.5 oz smoked salmon
3 oz (low-fat) cream cheese
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
3-4 sprigs of chives or green onions
Optional: extra chives or lemon zest for garnish
Instructions
- Wash and dry the cucumber.
- Slice the cucumber into ½-inch rounds and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Cut the smoked salmon into very small pieces and finely chop the chives/green onions.
- In a small bowl, mix your cream cheese with the smoked salmon, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and the chopped chives/green onions.
- Top each cucumber slice with a small dollop of your cream cheese and smoked salmon mixture.
- Sprinkle with extra chives or a little lemon zest, if desired.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve for up to one hour.
